Buying rural land in Colorado? If the property has a well—or you plan to drill one—it’s essential to understand what the well permit says. Here's a simple guide to decoding it.
Where to Find the Permit
Colorado well permits are issued by the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR). You can request a copy or search by address or parcel number in the DWR well permit database.
Key Items on the Permit
- Permit number – Unique to each well
- Well location – Township, range, section coordinates
- Type of use – Household-use only, domestic, irrigation, etc.
- Depth – Total depth of the well in feet
- Yield (GPM) – Gallons per minute of output
- Construction log – Soil layers, casing size, screen depth
Household-Use Only vs. Domestic
- Household-use only: Water can be used indoors only (no irrigation, no animals)
- Domestic use: May allow limited irrigation and livestock watering—read the permit closely
A common misconception is that all wells allow outdoor use. In Colorado, many only support indoor household use unless upgraded.
Why It Matters
- Resale value depends on usable water access
- Loan approval may require sufficient water rights
- You may not be able to garden, irrigate, or run a greenhouse without a proper permit
Helpful Resources
Need help interpreting a well permit or planning your water access?
Contact Christine Gwinnup – The Little Lady Sells Homes
